I just had the opportunity to review the most recent (August 22, 2025) release, The Hat with the Grin and the Chuckle, by Ben Thomas Tango Project and it's adventurous. Opening with The Promise of Morning, Ben Thomas on bandoneon leads the melody, accompanied by Eric Likkel on clarinet, Laura Schermer on bass, Laura Coronel on violin, Elizabeth Phelps on violin and Gabe Hall-Rodrigues on piano. A classically leaning tango in the style of Astor Piazzolla, this is a cool overture. Title track, The Man With The Grin and the Chuckle celebrates the memory of Seattle's French Chef, Thierry Rautureau, who's bistro served as the incubator for much of Thomas' music over several years of performing there. A serious composition featuring a solid interweave between Hall-Rodrigues and Thomas, with over harmony by Likkel. An Unapologetic Shift of Perspective is my favorite track on the release with a more percussive feel and Thomas giving more range to Hall-Rodrigues on piano. Wrapping the release is The Second Brick with a sweet, flowing melody presented by Thomas and Likkel, well supported by Schermer on bass, by Coronel and Phelps on violin and focused by Hall-Rodrigues on piano.

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